1994 Chevy C1500, 4.3L, 131XXX miles. I have a temperature gauge that constantly flucuates between approx 160 and 240. I have repalced the temp. sending unit (head), coolant temp. sensor (next to thermostat), upper/lower radiator hoses (time for hoses anyways), thermostat (installed a fail safe), and even replaced the radiator (it was partially plugged) and cap. The water pump appears to be working fine. I temporarily rigged up an aftermarket temp. gauge (inserted the sending unit where the coolant temp. sensor goes) and it read a steady 195 (after the engine warmed up) while the truck's temp. gauge went back and forth. After a period of time at idle, the truck's temp. gauge will settle down and show an approx 195 temp. The engine runs smoothly and I don't detect oil in the water or visa versa. Any suggestions? Also, if the truck's gauge is bad, where is the best place to install an aftermarket temp. gauge sending unit (replace one in head or replace the sensor next to thermostat)?
Jul 24, 2007 at 10:44 AM